Cost of Living: Joliet, IL vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Joliet

Illinois
88
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Joliet is 63% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,237/mo ↓ 55%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 122%
$88,026/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 44%
$248,600 ↓ 76%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 319%
$1,472/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 79%
149,785
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.95%
Income Tax
9.0%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
2.07%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

16.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Joliet, IL and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,505/month cheaper in Joliet, saving renters about $18,060/year.

Median household income is $38,443/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Joliet is $248,600 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

Illinois has a lower income tax rate, making Joliet slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joliet vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Joliet or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Joliet is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Joliet and Cambridge?
Median rent in Joliet is $1,237/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,505/month.
Which city has higher income, Joliet or Cambridge?
Median household income is $88,026 in Joliet and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $38,443/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between Illinois and Massachusetts?
Illinois has 4.95% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 2.07% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Joliet or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Joliet has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,237/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Joliet details → View Cambridge details →

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